Varun Tej is excited about the release of his first film, 'Mukunda'. He is very confident of hitting the bull's eye and in this exclusive interview with Indiaglitz, he talks about 'Mukunda', his relationship with his family members, his upcoming films etc.

Excerpts from the interview.

Enjoy watching films

I can't tell at what age I developed this love towards movies. But I've always enjoyed watching films. I've grown up watching the films of my uncles Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan. My whole family is in industry and it may be because of it, I was attracted towards films.

Wanted to be a director

I don't remember telling my friends that I wanted to be an actor. I used to tell them that I will be a director or a producer. They wanted me to become a hero as I look good. But I used to tell them that I won't. But they won't be surprised now, because they used to feel that I was lying to them and I wanted to be an actor always.

Afraid of it then

When I wanted to become an actor, I was afraid to tell it to my parents. But once my uncle Chiranjeevi said that I have qualities to become a hero. Then for the first time, I told him that I wanted to be an actor. He said it to my parents and everyone is happy about it.

First experience

My father and Brahmanandam did a movie titled 'Hands Up'. My uncle Chiranjeevi also did a small character in it. One day I went to the shooting spot of that film in Hyderabad and director Siva Nageswara Rao asked me to do a small role. My father also agreed. It is the first time ever I acted in a film. I also acted in a Thums Up commercial along with my uncle Chiranjeevi.

Learnt so much from him

I used to be very shy and when I joined Satyanand sir's acting school, I used to be afraid to talk infront of everyone. But I learnt so much from Satyanand sir.

He is an inspiration

I call Chiranjeevi uncle as 'daddy' and my father as 'Naanna'. I am very close to Chiranjeevi uncle. He is an inspiration to me. Pawan Kalyan uncle talks very less, but he takes care of us. He once said that we have to grow up in life on our own and should not depend on anyone.

They appreciated

Ram Charan and Allu Arjun have appreciated me after watching the teaser of 'Mukunda'. Brother Ram Charan said that my dialogue modulation is very good. Allu Arjun said that I look very good in the trailer.

Two years back

I seriously started working out two years back. I am very close to Sai Dharam Tej in my family. Both of us used to be fat. We enjoy food and used to eat without control. When he started going to gym, he asked me to come with him. But I was not at all interested. But as my father insisted, I also started going to gym. But after a month, I started enjoying working out.

Liked it

Sreekanth Addala approached me for the lead role in 'Mukunda', as he thought I am very apt for it. When he narrated the line, I really liked it. He didn't prepare the full script then. But I liked the characterization of the hero very much. After hearing the whole script, I immediately agreed to act in the film. My character name is Mukunda in the movie. I played a young man who has a lot of clarity on what he does and doesn't give chance to others to advise him.

Great journey with them

I feel that director's have a greater vision about their script and so we as actor's shouldn't interfere much. Though I had small doubts about a scene, Sreekanth Addala used to clear about it. He used to narrate the behaviour of the hero every day to me and he wanted me to act according to it. Though Sreekanth Addala looks silent, he cracks very funny jokes on the sets.

Pooja Hegde is a very jovial actress and would be very friendly with everyone on the sets. It has been really a great journey with them.

Satisfied with it

As actors, we don't have complete satisfaction with our performance. After watching the movie, I felt that I would have done some scenes better. But Sreekanth Addala said that he can't understand why I am thinking so and I did really a good job. I am satisfied with how I did the action sequences. In dances, I can't compete with my other family members, but I tried well.

Though I am a new hero, producers didn't compromise anywhere regarding the budget. The film looks very rich. I am satisfied with the output.

Like Ravi Teja and Prabhas

Other than my family members I like Ravi Teja and Prabhas. I like Prabhas from his first film, 'Eeshwar'. I like Ravi Teja's energy. He is also close to our family.

Upcoming projects

My film with Krish is almost finalized. It will be a different film and Krish will produce it on his home banner. I can't talk much about my film with Puri Jagannadh as it in very initial stages.

Finally, Varun Tej requested everyone to don't encourage piracy and watch the movie only in the theatres